Shocking Climate Week Survey: Business Leaders More Influential Than Celebrities On Environmental Issues

You have to feel sorry for celebrities – if it wasn’t hard enough being constantly chased by the paparazzi and deciding what to do with their millions of dollars, it appears that when it comes to environmental matters, the public prefers to listen to the opinions of business leaders and politicians rather than theirs. Take Leonardo DiCaprio – despite the avid environmentalist warning us about the perils of global warming in his film The 11th Hour, a poll from Climate Week saw Bill Gates named as the first person people would listen to regarding climate change.

The survey showed over 1,000 people in the UK a list of famous individuals who might make them act to save the environment. While the Microsoft founder was voted into first place, celebrities didn’t even make the top three – Prince Charles and Barack Obama came in joint second, and Richard Branson in third. DiCaprio didn’t make the Top 10, and neither did other environmentalist stars such as David Beckham, Lady Gaga, Sting, and Cheryl Cole.

Unsurprisingly, 66% of those asked said that when it came to climate change, it was scientists who they trusted most with 50% saying that scientific claims about the climate made a difference in how they live. Kevin Steele, Climate Week’s founder, said: “This public trust in scientists, found in our survey, flies in the face of controversies about climate data. There is still an urgent need to engage all parts of society nationally, to help protect our planet and create a secure future. “Everyone can influence the people around them, so run an activity for “>Climate Week on March 12 to 18 to encourage people in your workplace, school or local community to do their bit.”

What was surprising was that after scientists, friends and family were the most trusted group of people when it came to climate change (journalists and business people came next). So there you go – if you live in the UK, you may have a greater effect on those around you than you think when it comes to the environment.